Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring Neal Schon of Journey

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  • Опубліковано 21 вер 2024
  • "We never thought about the recording process, of how we were going to cut it with drums and bass, then add this later. We just went in and played live. That's what 'Escape' is and pretty much all of our records." In this episode, Neal Schon, lead guitarist of Journey discusses his history with guitar and early influences, Journey's unique writing process, and how his natural abilities led him humbly through his career.
    String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players.
    Neal Schon relies on Ernie Ball Super Slinky guitar strings. You can find them here: ernieb.al/Supe...
    Watch additional episodes of Ernie Ball: String Theory here: ernieb.al/1QtdTx9
    #ErnieBall #StringTheory #Journey

КОМЕНТАРІ • 337

  • @tommelone766
    @tommelone766 4 роки тому +359

    The people who play know how good this guy is

  • @redmed10
    @redmed10 4 роки тому +180

    Brilliant guitarist. Wish melodious rock would come back.

    • @ralphsantorelli1304
      @ralphsantorelli1304 3 роки тому

      Hallaluah to that.

    • @Allagi22
      @Allagi22 2 роки тому +3

      Be the change you wish to see in the world.

    • @peanutbutterisfu
      @peanutbutterisfu 2 роки тому

      It’s never stopped you just need to put effort into finding it! There is more music being released now then ever! If an older band like journey releases a new song that’s really good the classic rock stations won’t play it they only play the popular songs from back in the day and to be honest they don’t play anything past the 80’s early 90’s. When an older person says there is no good music I ask them their favorite band and then ask them what songs they liked off their last album and they won’t even know their favorite band has released a couple albums in the past even 10 years or the solo album the singer released a couple years ago that’s absolutely amazing. You have to look for new music.

    • @redmed10
      @redmed10 2 роки тому

      @@peanutbutterisfu
      I should have made clear, i was talking about the new generation who aren't into melodious music. Check the charts, dissonant music seems to be the thing now. Anything with melody is considered old hat. And perhaps it is. Perhaps all the songs that are pleasant to the ear have already been written.

    • @peanutbutterisfu
      @peanutbutterisfu 2 роки тому

      @@redmed10 there are a lot of new bands that are you have to look for it you can’t just listen to the radio.

  • @steveponder4842
    @steveponder4842 4 роки тому +85

    I’m a metal guy, the harder and faster the better, but I love this mans playing!!! My favorite guitarist of all time!!!

  • @wannaberabbi9302
    @wannaberabbi9302 4 роки тому +114

    Imagine being in highschool and jamming with clapton and getting such an offer! What a legend!

    • @bryanlettow4389
      @bryanlettow4389 4 роки тому +3

      Yeah I couldn't believe he said no but I'm sure his parents wouldn't let him drop out.

    • @tailorlayne5888
      @tailorlayne5888 4 роки тому +2

      Could you imagine lololol

    • @tailorlayne5888
      @tailorlayne5888 4 роки тому +3

      Best String Theory yet .. Yall need to do "Dan Donegan" from """Disturbed""" much love from one Ernie Ball Player to another!!!!

    • @SOBRANTE409
      @SOBRANTE409 6 місяців тому

      I speculate this ever happened at all.

  • @philisaacs224
    @philisaacs224 4 роки тому +214

    One word : Underrated

    • @Brand73
      @Brand73 4 роки тому +13

      Every guitar player is underrated if you go by UA-cam comments 😂

    • @AGRGTR09
      @AGRGTR09 4 роки тому +9

      in this case its actually painfully accurate

    • @kahmhalen4094
      @kahmhalen4094 4 роки тому +4

      Anyone who knows Neal, knows how good he is. One of the absolute best. Played with Santana at 14!!!!!

    • @valuedhumanoid6574
      @valuedhumanoid6574 4 роки тому +5

      WHAT? Under WHAT? This guy is THE highest rated guitarist of ALL time. He's in most people's top 10 or even top 5 guitarist and you call that underrated? You're a buffoon who's just throwing around that word to get a cheap thumbs up with all the other losers on UA-cam. *One word : Idiot*

    • @giftedplanksify
      @giftedplanksify 4 роки тому +3

      Underrated is a totally overrated thing to say these days

  • @richs961
    @richs961 4 роки тому +124

    Neil really ads such lyrical phrases to all of his licks. You can actually sing his leads. It's almost as if his guitar is a backup singer. One of the most underrated players out there. So many memorable songs. Keep em coming Neil.

    • @luke_Citino
      @luke_Citino 4 роки тому +5

      @@GCKelloch Have you listened to his solo albums?

    • @wraith1117
      @wraith1117 4 роки тому +2

      @@luke_Citino And Journey, pre Steve Perry. Yeah, the man can shred.

    • @metalmellie4371
      @metalmellie4371 3 роки тому

      And NEVER a mistake!

    • @metalmellie4371
      @metalmellie4371 3 роки тому

      @@luke_Citino right!

    • @JohnLaco
      @JohnLaco 8 місяців тому

      He's one of the few guitarists who I listen to and I'm NOT thinking about the guitar side of it, it's pure melody. I find myself coming back after years and thinking, "oh he's just doing x or y". But it was always the melody first.

  • @ThatOtherRaccoon
    @ThatOtherRaccoon 4 роки тому +81

    I LOVE the "Stone In Love" guitar solo. Neal is AMAZING.

    • @elpablosky6300
      @elpablosky6300 4 роки тому +3

      Mariano Abundiz randy rhoads (R.I.P. ) loved that song !

  • @jamesbuteaux5951
    @jamesbuteaux5951 4 роки тому +30

    Thanks to the people at Ernie Ball for putting all these interviews together. Its fantastic to hear these legends like Neil and all the others tell their stories.

  • @zigmeekane4361
    @zigmeekane4361 4 роки тому +45

    Legendary tone, legendary guitarist and a pure legend.

  • @Jonnie8791
    @Jonnie8791 4 роки тому +7

    I went thru my shredder phase with Satch, Vai Gilbert, Petrucci, etc... and then I saw Journey’s 1981 Houston performance back in 2009. Neal’s guitar work on Stone In Love changed everything about my playing. If ever there was a musician that had a singing voice in his guitar - it’s this guy’s.

  • @Zoso7227
    @Zoso7227 4 роки тому +19

    Some guys just never lose their chops. He’s definitely one of them

  • @jaimeecherivel2927
    @jaimeecherivel2927 4 роки тому +30

    Neal is one of the reasons I picked up a guitar. Mom had me listening to Journey at a very young age and it just always stuck with me. Always loved his phrasing and tastiness of his playing.

    • @michaelbassett3692
      @michaelbassett3692 4 роки тому +2

      He uses a lot of pitch harmonics. I love the warm tone he creates just by how he picks the guitar.

  • @michaelbassett3692
    @michaelbassett3692 4 роки тому +5

    My older cousin moved in with my family in 1982. He was in 9th grade and I was in third. He brought his records and record player with him. Every morning before school, like at 6:30 am, he would crank Journey without fail. I thought that was the coolest thing ever.

  • @HaXaW5150
    @HaXaW5150 4 роки тому +14

    That Stoned in love solo is always going to be one of the best.

  • @ricklachaine5406
    @ricklachaine5406 3 роки тому +5

    What I love about his playing is that his solos are always complimentary to the vocal melody of Journey songs.

  • @WyattWillis88
    @WyattWillis88 4 роки тому +15

    His ferocity and fire to me is what is most underated about Mr.Schon.What power!

  • @PaulHurleyGuitar
    @PaulHurleyGuitar 4 роки тому +25

    Thanks for this. Neal is one of the most soulful guitarists the world will ever see.

  • @waltershoults7132
    @waltershoults7132 3 роки тому +5

    I'll be alright without you ~ Neal makes that song what it is. You add Steve Perry and BAM! some really good music 🎶 🙏
    Thank you for the music Neal 👍😎

  • @voxpathfinder15r
    @voxpathfinder15r 4 роки тому +22

    This is one of the guys that helped get through my youth many a lonely nights listening to journey and Neil’s searing yet always melodic solos. I should have realized my number one hero, Hendrix, was a big influence on his playing, It never dawned on me before. Good to see Neil back with the old standards, fender strats and Gibson Les Paul

    • @jasonwilliamshuck
      @jasonwilliamshuck 4 роки тому +1

      yes! love the white strat. he just sounds SO much better with lower output pickups that allow the wood and pickups coil tones to come thru. one of my all-time heroes.

    • @SJ-ty5rw
      @SJ-ty5rw 4 роки тому

      He has said that he recorded almost all their hits ! with his main b&w strat . The one he used in the lights video , believe later he added a humbucker to it . He had it auctioned some years back . I would have kept it if i was him lol

  • @capth00k
    @capth00k 4 роки тому +16

    Neal is a killer guitar player. If you haven't listened to his solo / instrumental albums then do yourself a favor and do so ASAP

  • @user-qr7ee2cp4y
    @user-qr7ee2cp4y 4 роки тому +11

    As a pure lead guitarist he’s one of the best... like Carlos, he could solo forever.

  • @michaelpsions
    @michaelpsions 4 роки тому +12

    He is very much an individual, His playing is very distinctive, I admire Neal immensely, As a guitarist my self for 40 years, Having your own style is very much an accomplishment,
    And Neal has it.

    • @metalmellie4371
      @metalmellie4371 3 роки тому +1

      You made me think of Hammett. I know he gets a lot of shit but you have to admit he's got his own style, the Metallica s.ound

  • @musicmore8315
    @musicmore8315 4 роки тому +16

    Neal Schon is the most tasteful guitar player rock has and more than likely will ever know.

  • @Veegercorp
    @Veegercorp Місяць тому +1

    Been said - Neal can play for 3 days straight and never repeat himself. Amazing artist.

  • @kebotrans
    @kebotrans 4 роки тому +8

    He is a gear nerd. I relate 😂. Love his instagram videos when he jams at home. Great me,odic player. Timeless songs.

  • @captk5535
    @captk5535 4 роки тому +6

    With the music you play we ain’t “livin in a lonely world” no more.
    Ernie ball is so much more than a guitar string Company, they bring the artists and us the people, the fans, the aspiring musicians, and all those in the wonderful world of rock and roll together. I ain’t as good as these guys are…and I sure as hell don’t have as many guitars…but all of the music we know and love have these strings to thank…and I ain’t gonna use anything else to string my baby’s.

  • @garythomas4431
    @garythomas4431 4 роки тому +5

    I'd put Neal Schon up there with Jeff Beck for being prolific, and keeping it fresh and always a surprise. I started playing guitar around 1974, and Journey was so smooth in those days. I've stolen lots of riffs and spent hours learning Neal's playing in and outside of Journey. One of the world's best.
    Thank you Neal for all your generosity.
    GT

    • @reneg8223
      @reneg8223 2 роки тому +1

      Goes to show how important having the right singer and melody is that although Jeff is a guitar God, others like Neal and Page had more commercial success. As good as they are it's all about the songs.

  • @DatMetalBoi75
    @DatMetalBoi75 4 роки тому +4

    God that strat with the reverse headstock is killer

  • @GD22xl18
    @GD22xl18 4 роки тому +40

    Neal, never got enough credit. He’s an absolute master!

  • @skeptischism1324
    @skeptischism1324 4 роки тому +7

    Really digging the reverse heady fender. Thx for still rocking out after all these years Neil.

  • @RaySmithWeb
    @RaySmithWeb 4 роки тому +20

    The most musical guitarist in music today.

  • @johnnypatterson77
    @johnnypatterson77 4 роки тому +10

    Just an exceptional guitarist I love anything Neal plays, I'm a huge fan of his, just listening to his music wasn't enough for me I had to learn how to play it. If your a guitarist you know what I'm talking about.

  • @salifm6919
    @salifm6919 4 роки тому +7

    this made me so happy seeing this😣😣😣😣😣😣😣

  • @edbigtruck
    @edbigtruck 4 роки тому +3

    Neal in 1979 your solo on lights influenced this 11 year old kid to play guitar. 40 years later you’re still the biggest influence and my guitar hero. I’ve been using Ernie Ball Super Slinky’s since 1984.

  • @zazuzonker
    @zazuzonker 4 роки тому +4

    I know he plays Ernie Ball strings, but what kind of skateboard does he rock?
    Kidding!
    The guy is one of the all-time greats. He can wear whatever he wants!

  • @doublejake.4846
    @doublejake.4846 4 роки тому +2

    This guy was born to play guitar. Amazing how some people are gifted at sports, some music, some mechanical, so on and so on. At 14 years of age he was catching the eye of real rock stars and being offered to be in their bands, amazing. He is fortunate to have parents who supported him.

  • @janiterinadrum1627
    @janiterinadrum1627 3 роки тому +2

    Neil has come up with some of the tastiest and most memorable licks in Rock music.

    • @NealSchon-kh5hz
      @NealSchon-kh5hz Рік тому

      Hello, how are you doing today? Nice meeting you here.

  • @scottdouglasmaclachlan4792
    @scottdouglasmaclachlan4792 4 роки тому +3

    My wife worked for Kalodner (Geffen A&R head for years), and being a player for decades, I loved how Neal developed. Great video, and for me, 7's freaking rocked!!! I could do anything I'd ever imagined, they were that slinky!!! Lol

    • @chrisb8655
      @chrisb8655 4 роки тому

      John Kalodner. I haven't heard that name in years. Did you ever jam with Neal?

    • @scottdouglasmaclachlan4792
      @scottdouglasmaclachlan4792 4 роки тому

      Chris B I wish…Jammed with Billy Gibbons and Spencer Davis, sang background vocals on two LP’s with Doug Aldrich, but not with Neil.

  • @gregwest2028
    @gregwest2028 4 роки тому +11

    Tone for days... If I could achieve half of his tone id be a happy man.

  • @jeffhebert9643
    @jeffhebert9643 4 роки тому +3

    Saw Journey once , an outdoor show.......FANTASTIC .

    • @sd_design
      @sd_design 4 роки тому +1

      Me too. Day On The Green 1980 changed my life.

  • @castanonw
    @castanonw 4 роки тому +7

    What a masterful player such a Legend

  • @roosterj2599
    @roosterj2599 4 роки тому +1

    Neal Schon went from backing Santana to Lead in Journey and went onto writing some of the greatest songs ever written. 200 years from now Don't Stop Believing will still be played. Songs we will never forget. Thanks Neal!

  • @Marktman2003
    @Marktman2003 4 роки тому +6

    Absolutely the most underrated guitarist in history.

    • @1970borntorun
      @1970borntorun 4 роки тому

      YES!! And I would have to add Ronnie Montrose ( RIP ) and Steve Lukather to that category as well !! ♫

  • @michaellnbnj
    @michaellnbnj 4 роки тому +8

    Love Neal Schon! I wish someone would do a comprehensive lesson/tutorial on his guitar solo style - Especially the fast/speed element of his playing.

    • @davidyates8880
      @davidyates8880 4 роки тому +1

      Mike, check this out. It's the rhythm of Neal, I think he's going to do a solo lesson soon, his channel is great :) ua-cam.com/video/TX-1Au2ZftE/v-deo.html

    • @michaellnbnj
      @michaellnbnj 4 роки тому +1

      Thanks, David!

  • @Jtowers84
    @Jtowers84 4 роки тому +3

    Loved the "Back to the Future" outfit!

  • @joelmiddaugh8229
    @joelmiddaugh8229 4 роки тому +3

    For those saying he is underrated, he's on every "Top 100 guitarists of all time" list I've ever seen. I think he has gotten due credit for his abilities.

  • @lefterispanos9543
    @lefterispanos9543 4 роки тому +2

    Don't stop believing that little solo at the beginning with the amazing bend after the speed up.

  • @ve2126
    @ve2126 4 роки тому +1

    His guitar tone. Skills. Everything just perfect. 👍👍🎸🎸🎸🎸

  • @ronarmitage533
    @ronarmitage533 4 роки тому +2

    Such a stand up guy. I have so much respect for him.

  • @GreatCircle360
    @GreatCircle360 Місяць тому

    I saw Neal and Carlos at the Crater Festival when they recorded the Live album. They were just walking around meeting people. Marbles ftw!

  • @BonJovi1987Fan
    @BonJovi1987Fan 5 місяців тому

    Neil is the reason I picked up the guitar and later on Richie Sambora became my #1 favorite guitarist after Neil Schon, but I didn't forget my beginning.

  • @robg8784
    @robg8784 4 роки тому +2

    Incredible Brilliant Musician/Guitarist!

  • @UptempoMusicLessons
    @UptempoMusicLessons 3 роки тому +1

    Hendrix played 11s. He played Jeff Beck's guitar which had 9s and said to Jeff "what are these rubber bands?" Jeff says this in an interview.

  • @Firehawk-205
    @Firehawk-205 4 роки тому +1

    Neal Rocks ! & Ernie Ball Rocks!!
    I have been using Ernie Ball strings since the mid-80’s that’s all I use too.
    Super Slinky “Nickel” on the Relic & Slinky “Colbalt” on the Charvel.

  • @sd_design
    @sd_design 4 роки тому +5

    100% guitar legend!

  • @stevepartain864
    @stevepartain864 3 роки тому

    Im 64, used to come home in 1977 and play to journey from my record player and les paul and just jam with them in my mind and in my room, magical it was, what a time.

  • @barrysmith916
    @barrysmith916 4 роки тому +6

    Neil made up his own patterns. Greatest melodic player ever.

  • @nokomisnichols
    @nokomisnichols 4 роки тому +1

    One of the all time greatest guitar players. One of my favorite guitar players.

  • @sampower1735
    @sampower1735 4 роки тому

    I'll be alright is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard with a great tasteful solo

  • @swedeinla
    @swedeinla 4 роки тому +3

    The man is a bonafide LEGEND

  •  4 роки тому

    One of the greatest rock guitarists of all time.

  • @fernandes5986
    @fernandes5986 4 роки тому +4

    Neal Schon, forever my hero.

  • @CarlosMorgadoMusic
    @CarlosMorgadoMusic 3 роки тому +1

    One of my favourite guitarists ever!

  • @johnroberts838
    @johnroberts838 4 роки тому +1

    Excellent Video, Brilliant Guitarist, Beautifully Melodic 👍👍👍.
    Thank you.
    Melbourne, Australia

  • @metalmellie4371
    @metalmellie4371 3 роки тому

    I've always loved him! You'll never ever hear a mistake from this man!

  • @AnodyneHipsterInfluencer
    @AnodyneHipsterInfluencer 4 роки тому +8

    I mean look, it all worked our cuz Journey is... Journey. *BUT*, if Eric Clapton asks you to move to London and join his band, you say, *YES*.

  • @whiterhoads611
    @whiterhoads611 3 роки тому +1

    The reverse headatock and reverse slanted bridge pickup is so cool

  • @richardturk7162
    @richardturk7162 2 роки тому +1

    I use 8s on an old Charvel with a Kahler flat mount bridge with the heavy spring kit in it. Fantastic feeling.

  • @suetruett3812
    @suetruett3812 2 роки тому +1

    I've been listening to Neal since his days with Santana. He is a monster with a 6 string in his hands.

  • @peterw2880
    @peterw2880 4 роки тому

    This guy is an absolute legend. What an incredible interview

  • @jonmyers7485
    @jonmyers7485 4 роки тому +4

    Just a plain badass

  • @thehatemachinestl
    @thehatemachinestl 4 роки тому

    Neil is such a great player! He has been a big influence on my playing for sure! I love how he puts that sweep in at the end of the video just to show the kids what's up!

  • @erichaheidrich4593
    @erichaheidrich4593 4 роки тому +1

    Legend. So much emotion.

  • @flybynight1929
    @flybynight1929 4 роки тому +3

    I would recommend people look up his new age style instrumental solo albums like Beyond the Thunder, Late Night, and my favorite, Voice, where he interprets vocal songs into guitar.
    If you are a guitar player influenced by Santana and Neal, you will be blown away by them.

  • @migzz7976
    @migzz7976 2 роки тому

    Mixing up different gauge Ernie strings, Great advice! Neal Schon is so cool. Stone in Love for sure

  • @RoxxHoffner
    @RoxxHoffner 4 роки тому +1

    One of my favorite guitar players/songwriters. His son #MilesSchon is amazing as well.

  • @oldtimerf7602
    @oldtimerf7602 3 роки тому +1

    Always thought him to be top tier. The solos in feeling that way/anytime are brilliant.

    • @ltrenum
      @ltrenum 11 місяців тому

      Those are my favorite songs on Captured 🤘🏼

  • @lpgoog
    @lpgoog 4 роки тому +2

    Amazing legacy to say the least! 👍🎸🎼

  • @LeoKotzen92
    @LeoKotzen92 Рік тому

    Best guitarist ever in rock in terms of musicality
    No one even come close to his melodic skills

  • @MrROTD
    @MrROTD 4 місяці тому

    A few people said I sound like Niel, I was flattered I love his playing especially the solos.

  • @gregorys6074
    @gregorys6074 4 роки тому +12

    Right there with Page and Eddie

    • @Bushwig
      @Bushwig Місяць тому

      😂 u keep believing that

  • @billwilenski
    @billwilenski 2 роки тому

    Niels probably my favorite player of all time and listen to them with old journey

  • @bigkahuna4847
    @bigkahuna4847 8 місяців тому

    So much greatness

  • @pskemster
    @pskemster 4 роки тому

    Good chemistry is a beautiful thing ,,when it comes to creative jamming. Just putting hand to clay. It beautiful!

  • @monmixer
    @monmixer 3 роки тому

    We used to do that in our bar band. we were playing kick ass country and rocking it out, rearranging it. We had out own songs also that were much like the Allman Brothers. We used Deluxe reverbs and turned them up to ten straight across the the board. Everything even the reverb was on ten and throw a furniture packing blanket of it with a mic underneath. What a sound. It was awesome like blasting a marshall stack in a big arena but at a controlled volume because of the packing blankets. They do the same thing today but the put the cabs in a road case with foam packed around them to eliminate most of the stage volume.I love earnie ball slinky .09 gauge. that's about as thick as you can go and still be able to bend and blend bent strings with strings that are not. Billy Gibbons uses .08 gauge on most of his guitars.

  • @nickcosta8062
    @nickcosta8062 4 роки тому +1

    When I think of "Badass" on the guitar.. NS is one of the first who come to mind..

  • @Jihavoh777
    @Jihavoh777 3 роки тому +1

    This was great

  • @vibefrequencyable
    @vibefrequencyable 4 роки тому +1

    journeys 1st 4 albums. stellar.

  • @k.t.5864
    @k.t.5864 2 роки тому

    One of the GREATS.

  • @Cougar139tweak
    @Cougar139tweak 2 роки тому

    One word
    UNDERRATED

  • @jopestv1063
    @jopestv1063 4 роки тому +1

    my cuz went to the same high school (Aragon High) as Neal. she remembers Gregg picking him up after school for rehearsal

  • @diegoarana5862
    @diegoarana5862 3 роки тому

    nobody can play aeolian like this dude can. so melodic and soulful.

  • @DavidLightWill
    @DavidLightWill 4 роки тому +1

    Great band --great guitarist. thanks for the post

  • @13thRaven
    @13thRaven 4 роки тому

    What a beautiful guitar..... the white strat. Dream guitar

  • @thejonathandoan
    @thejonathandoan 3 роки тому

    Top 5 guitar influences for me. His solos with Journey are the main reason I bought an electric guitar and will try my best to learn it well so I can emulate him.

  • @chrisbauman2562
    @chrisbauman2562 2 роки тому

    I'm digging that strat

  • @unsurprisingly
    @unsurprisingly 4 роки тому

    LOVE this and your strings and channel from Huntington WV thanks

  • @markblackwell9486
    @markblackwell9486 2 роки тому +1

    Phenomenal player

  • @johnmoser2689
    @johnmoser2689 4 роки тому +1

    My first and still favorite influence on my ideas of what guitar is supposed to sound like all those journey songs wouldn't have ever made it without those blazing guitars Neal and Ross were epic together what a fantastic career of stellar music
    Btw I love Neal's guitar collection... put off this world check him out on Instagram

  • @johnmoser2689
    @johnmoser2689 4 роки тому +2

    Omg stone in love solo that piece is an absolutley historic gold classic masterpiece that it's ingrained in my soul thanks for all the great music I couldn't live without👍😎👍